If it feels like scam texts are showing up on your phone more often, you’re not imagining things. According to new data from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), scammers are increasingly turning to text messages to reach victims—and it's costing people more than ever. In fact, fraud losses linked to scam texts hit $470 million in 2024, a fivefold jump from just four years prior. Many of these messages impersonate banks, government agencies, or delivery services. If you get a suspicious text from an unknown number, resist the urge to respond.
The next time you get a text from an unknown number, think twice before responding.
Text scams are one of the top three most common ways that scammers make contact, right behind email and phone calls. And with most Americans owning a smartphone and open rates for text messages nearing 98%, it’s no wonder scammers are flocking to this contact method.
Whether they’re impersonating a delivery service or pretending to be your bank, scammers use text to trick people into handing over money or sensitive information fast.
Common types of text scams
In some text scams, scammers might even spoof a phone number, so the text appears to come from someone you know, or someone in your area code—or even your own number.
Here are some of the most common scam texts circulating:
“Your account needs updating.” Fraudsters contact you posing as a bank, healthcare organization, service provider (like a wireless network), a government entity, or claim to be an Amazon rep with an alert about your account. Either way, their aim is to gain access to your personal or financial information.
“You have a package out for delivery.” Have you ever gotten a USPS scam text? In this scheme, a fraudster texts to say you have a package en route. They often share a legitimate-looking link and ask you to enter payment information to cover “shipping costs” or related fees—but it’s really to get your credit card number or bank account information.
“Oops, wrong number!” or “Hello.” This scam starts with a seemingly innocent text from a stranger who appears to have the wrong number—for example, “Hey, is this Gaby? We met at the café.” If you respond, the conversation escalates into a personal relationship or investment pitch, often involving cryptocurrency. These scams are designed to build trust and manipulate you into handing over money.
“Quick tasks for quick cash.” Also called “task scams,” these messages promise easy online work—like reviewing products or completing small tasks—in exchange for money. After a few steps, you're asked to invest their own funds to continue, with the promise of higher earnings. The scam ends with the fraudster disappearing and the victim out whatever they put in.
“I’m in trouble. Can you help?” Relational or emergency scams, in which a texter pretends to be a family member or friend in trouble, are also widespread. In this case, scammers aim to manipulate your emotions and pressure you into giving away your money or personal information.
“You have an unpaid toll.” In this scam, you’ll get a message warning of an outstanding toll balance and urging immediate payment to avoid penalties or legal action. In reality, the link included often leads to a fake website designed to steal your payment information.
“You’ve won a prize!” In this scenario, also known as a lottery scam, victims are directed to click a malicious link to claim their prize winnings. The site usually contains malware or is designed to capture your personal information.
How to identify scam texts
With more businesses also using text to communicate with their customers, it’s helpful to know how to differentiate a real marketing message from a scam.
Legitime companies typically use short codes (4–6 digits). Scam texts usually come from full 10- or 11-digit phone numbers.
You must give permission to be contacted via text. If a brand you’ve never opted into is texting you, it could be fraud.
Real businesses include clear opt-out instructions and legal disclaimers like “Message and data rates may apply.”
Government agencies, banks, and healthcare providers rarely text about urgent issues. They typically send those messages by mail or secure portal.
Bottom line: If you get an unexpected text asking you to click a link, enter information, or take urgent action, it’s a red flag.
Resist the urge to reply, even to say “STOP” or “UNSUBSCRIBE.” Doing so may confirm your number is active, which can make you a bigger target in the future.
Reporting scam text messages
If you want to take additional action to help others avoid fraud, you can forward unwanted texts to 7726 (SPAM), which alerts your service provider to help reduce the risk that others will be targeted.
Then, delete the text and move on.
If you or someone you love should fall victim to identity theft that’s initiated through a text message or any other means, we’re here for you. Our U.S.-based specialists are trained to help if identity theft occurs.
